SANTA CLARA - With 16 seniors on its roster, it's no surprise that Bellarmine has some chemistry on the field. That chemistry not only led to the game-winning goal in Friday's 1-0 win over Branham for the CCS Open Division title, but also helped the Bells post three consecutive shutouts on their march through the playoffs.
Branham, who pulled off back-to-back upsets to reach the final, actually had the first real scoring opportunity when Angel Avalos made a run through the midfield and delivered a through ball to junior Jaeson Gonzalez, who beat the Bellarmine defense but missed wide on his shot to the far post. Bellarmine, meanwhile, took full advantage of its opportunity in the 27th minute.
Senior Casey Jaeb beat a pair of Bruin defenders down the right sideline, worked hard to keep the ball in play, and then delivered a perfect ball to senior Blaze Strangio. Strangio, who scored in every game during the section playoffs, finished his run towards the goal by placing the ball in the back of the net for the eventual game-winning tally.
"Those two have played together for all four years, and they are part of a very tight-knit group we have as leaders," said Bellarmine coach Conor Salcido. "Casey's individual effort to save that ball and then find Blaze's perfect run was just amazing."
Branham had another chance on a corner kick late in the first half, but after the ball landed near the six-yard box, it was cleared by a Bellarmine defender to erase any potential threat. Jaeb and Max Morris played strong at outside back all game long, while sophomores Myles Thomas and Tate Hackett were instrumental at center back in the Bells' ability to win and maintain possession.
"Bellarmine's best defense is its possession and they used the ball well to see out the match in the second half," said Branham coach Danny Kadah. "We had a few chances again in the second half, but nothing too clear cut."
Bellarmine entered the game having shutout Palo Alto and Watsonville in the first two rounds of the post-season, the latter being a match which was touted by some as a game that could have easily been for the title. That led to some additional challenges for the Bells as they prepared for a Branham team which had knocked off St. Ignatius and Soledad.
"The way our guys played against Watsonville was so impressive that we knew there could be a letdown the next game," Salcido said. "We kept reminding the team that Branham had been overlooked twice, and beaten both those teams. They are a very solid team and worked well as a unit defensively. Our guys knew that if we took them lightly, we would be on the losing side."
With the win, Bellarmine not only captured the CCS Open title, but also secured the top seed in the upcoming CIF NorCal playoffs, in the Division I bracket. The Bells host Turlock on Tuesday afternoon.
Branham was also elevated into the Division I bracket after its post-season showing. The Bruins head to Sac-Joaquin Section champion Jesuit in Tuesday's quarterfinal round.
Around the CCS finals
Not only did Branham become the second-ever team from the Blossom Valley Athletic League to reach the championship game of an Open Division, joining the 2014 Leland baseball team, but league mate Prospect captured the Division I boys soccer title. The Panthers defeated Monterey, 2-1, for the title, despite being a six-seed. Prospect also posted earlier upset wins over Homestead and Menlo-Atherton.
Five-seed Mitty captured the Division II title, beating Menlo 1-0 behind a goal from sophomore Manuel Andrade.
Sacred Heart Cathedral made it three section titles for the West Catholic Athletic League, beating Wilcox 3-1. Last year, the Fightin' Irish were awarded the Division II title after Mt. Pleasant had to forfeit its victory. This time, under first-year coach Mike McNeill, SHC got it done on the field.
Leigh blanked King City, 1-0, for the Division IV title. The Longhorns did not allow a goal in any of their three playoff victories.
Looking ahead to NorCals
Bellarmine and Branham are both in the Division I bracket, while fellow CCS Open semifinalists Watsonville and Soledad were both placed in the Division II bracket for the NorCal playoffs. Watsonville travels to Bella Vista-Fair Oaks, while Soledad heads to Richmond to face the NCS runner-up Oilers.
Prospect is also in Division II as the eight seed, and takes on top seed Galt in the quarterfinals.
Sacred Heart Cathedral and Mitty are both in Division III. SHC is the four seed, hosting Bishop O'Dowd on Tuesday, while Mitty is the seven seed, heading to University-San Francisco.
Leigh is the four seed in the Division IV bracket, and hosts Albany in the quarterfinals.
